Yes Scotland Have Delivered A Smackdown Over Scottish Referendum No Campaign's Business Backers

The Huffington Post UK

Posted:
28/08/2014 09:55 BST
Updated:
28/08/2014 09:59 BST

DUNDEE, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 27: Yes and Better Together supporters exchange views with one another as Jim Murphy Shadow Secretary of State for International Development (not seen), speaks on his soapbox during his '100 Towns in 100 Days' tour on August 27, 2014 in Dundee, Scotland. Mr. Murphy, Labour MP, is touring Scotland on behalf of the Better Together, spreading his message about the benefits of Scotland remaining part of the union and informing the public of the risks that independence pose | Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images

Stagecoach chairman Sir Brian Souter, Clyde Blowers boss Jim McColl and retired William Hill chief executive Ralph Topping are among those who have signed the letter which argues independence is in Scotland's economic interest. The full list can be found here.

Published in The Herald newspaper today, the letter reads: "We are involved in business and entrepreneurship at different levels in Scotland and around the world. We believe independence is in the best interests of Scotland's economy and its people.

"We will gain the powers to give our many areas of economic strength even more of an advantage in an increasingly competitive world. There will be more opportunities for our talented and determined young people to stay and succeed here in Scotland."

The letter says that the "real possibility of a British exit from the European common market" is the biggest threat to Scottish business.

"We believe Westminster governments do not and never will pay sufficient attention to the interests of Scotland's economy," it said.

"The tax raids on our oil industry and pension funds by Labour and Conservative-led governments are clear examples of a short-term focus rather than a long-term strategy. Scottish industry is so often treated as a cash cow rather than a strategically important part of a more prosperous and a fairer society.

"The real threat to Scotland is the real possibility of a British exit from the European common market.

"Scotland must look outwards to the world of opportunity that awaits us. A Yes vote is the business and jobs opportunity of a lifetime for this and future generations."

The letter written yesterday by pro-Union business leaders highlighted the ''uncertainties'' that surround leaving the UK as they argue that ''by continuing to all work together we can keep Scotland flourishing''.

That group included Weir Group chief executive Keith Cochrane, Audrey Baxter, of Baxters Food Group, and Boyd Tunnock.